Living Wills and Being Prepared WHAT DOES A LIVING WILL MEDICAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

Living Wills and Being Prepared
WHAT DOES A LIVING WILL AND DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR HEALTH CARE SAY?

Death is as much a reality as birth, growth, maturity and old age- it is the one certainty of life. There may come a time when I am unable, due to physical or mental incapacity, to make my own health care decisions. In these circumstances, those caring for me will need direction and they will turn to someone who knows my values and health care wishes. By writing this durable power of attorney for health care I appoint a health care representative with the legal authority to make health care decisions on my behalf and to consult with my physician and others. If the time comes when I am physically and/or mentally unable to make decisions for my own future, let this statement stand as an expression of my wishes and directions, while I am still of sound mind. I understand that as a competent adult, I have the right to make decisions about my health care.

If at such a time the situation should arise in which there is no reasonable expectation of my recovery from physical or mental disability, I direct that I be allowed to die and not be kept alive by medications, artificial means or extraordinary life sustaining medical procedures. I do, however, ask that medication be administered to me to alleviate suffering even though this may shorten my remaining life.
A. Fluids and Nutrition.
I request that artificially provided fluids and nutrition, such as by feeding tube or intravenous infusion (initial one, not both)
1. ______ shall be withheld or withdrawn as "Life Sustaining Treatment." 2. ______ shall be provided to the extent medically appropriate even if other "Life Sustaining Treatment" is withheld or withdrawn.